Dempsters $10,000 White Bread Taste-Off

To adequately appreciate the tone of this post, I’d like you all to hum Lionel Riche’s “Hello” in your heads.

(Hello! Is it me you’re looking for?…)

Alas, no other tune fits the bill when describing my relationship with white bread. I MISS white bread.

Long considered the more delicious alternative, in recent years it has received a bad rap from the health- and carb-conscious. In fact, I’ve actually been on the receiving end of a nasty glare while reaching for white bread at the supermarket. Apparently I failed to yield in front the grain police; the woman continued to stare as she loaded up her cart with 12 Grains, Whole Grains, Multigrain, etc, etc. (I’m thinking she was more of an Ancient Grains kind of gal, but I digress.)

The fact is, I realize that whole grains are a healthier alternative. But some things just taste better with white bread. French toast. Croutons. Stuffing. Grilled cheese. Oh my! It is irreplaceable as an ingredient in preparing some of my most beloved comfort foods. And you simply CANNOT create culinary blasphemy by having a whole grain grilled cheese. Or maybe you can – mine will just taste much, much more divine.

The good news? Dempster’s White Bread is made with enriched wheat flour, and the taste and texture is loved by families across Canada (including my own). Given the choice, my husband would only buy Dempster’s White Bread – he’s a huge fan of PB&J, and according to him, PB&J is definitely a while bread thing. And while I tend to agree, I limit my intake – I am generally guilted into consuming whole grains most of the time (still humming Hello? … I want to tell you so much… I love you).

Are you a white bread enthusiast? You’re not alone. According to a recent survey commissioned by Dempster’s, over half of Canadians agree certain recipes are yummier when made with sliced white bread. And if you happen to have a killer recipe incorporating Dempster’s White Bread, you’re in luck –

“Dempster’s is asking Canadians to share their favourite recipes on our Facebook page and participate in the Dempster’s Great White Bread Taste-Off. The top 10 entries (as selected by Dempster’s) will be judged and advance to our final Taste-Off to determine who will win bragging rights as Canada’s White Bread Champion and winner of the $10,000 Grand Prize!” (Contest ends March 22nd.)

Ay Caramba! $10K buys a lot of bread!

I’ve been checking out the submitted recipes and there are many drool-worthy options, especially the deluxe grilled cheese and monte cristo options. YUM. And I just happen to have this delish recipe on hand, courtesy of the good folks at Dempster’s:

The Strawbreadie (Shortcake): A creative twist on the classic Strawberry Shortcake dessert using some expected and not-expected ingredients!

Ingredients: 8 slices of Dempster’s White Bread
1 cup of prepared 35 per cent cream
1 lemon
1 ½ cups of strawberries (mashed)
¼ cup of sugar
Some fresh mint for garnish

Method:
Trim crusts from bread slices. Place four of the eight slices in baking dish.

Mash berries, stir in sugar and squeeze half of lemon in as well. Place half of mashed mixture over bread. Then place half of whipping cream over mashed berries mixture. Next, add a second layer with another slice of bread and more mashed strawberry mixture. Top with whipped cream and dust off with some lemon rind. Rest in fridge for 2 hours. Serves eight.

YES PLEASE! So c’mon – think of your best white bread recipe and grab a bag of Dempster’s White Bread. Or, just join me in savouring a slice of stuffed French toast.

(You’re all I’ve ever wanted… and my arms are open wide…)

To learn more about Dempster’s delicious bakery products, visit Dempsters.ca.

I am a member of the Maple Leaf Foods Connects program. I receive special perks for my participation. However, all opinions and ideas shared on this blog remain my own.